Agenda

Keynote Address 4:The New State of Play in the Energy Sector

The keynote address of Mr. Thodoris Skylakakis, Minister of Environment and Energy on the topic of energy transition highlighted the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing Greece and the European Union. A central point of the address was the energy trilemma. Mr. Skylakakis stressed the urgency of accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources, emphasizing the economic and environmental imperatives. He also noted the need for more increased energy efficiency, sector-specific strategies, and a focus on robust electricity grids to enhance energy security. Furthermore, he discussed reforms in forest biomass management, which could revolutionize the forestry sector and generate carbon credits. Finally, he also underscored the importance of adapting quickly to a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Theodoros Skylakakis

Minister of Environment and Energy, Hellenic Republic

In her address while presenting the HAEE Annual Award to Mr. Panagiotis Grammelis, Her Excellency, the French Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Laurence Auer, emphasized the critical importance of the energy transition in the European context. She acknowledged that the energy sector is at the intersection of strategic changes and discussed the European Union’s environmental objectives, such as the EU’s Resilience Plan and the Fit-for-55 Scheme. Ms. Auer highlighted the vast opportunities the energy sector offers, not only for industry but also for the society at large. She stressed the need for public-private collaboration, noted the significance of Greece’s role in the Oriental Mediterranean region, and expressed her commitment to fostering strong cooperation between France and Greece in this transformative sector.

In his acceptance speech for the HAEE Annual Award, Mr. Panagiotis Grammelis, Director of Research, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, expressed his deep gratitude for receiving the HAEE Annual Award, emphasizing his commitment to contributing to the energy transition and research in Greece. He highlighted the significance of academic and research institutions as driving forces for regional development. Mr. Grammelis cited his major achievement as the development of the Hydrogen Innovation Hub, a €20 million project aiming to demonstrate the entire hydrogen value chain and foster research and education in the field. He stressed the importance of addressing social and economic issues while transitioning to cleaner energy sources and recognized the past role of fossil fuels in regional development.